8. Let's Talk Therapy! Hippotherapy

Throughout the past few years, we have been extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work with some amazing therapists and organizations. Beginning with early intervention therapies when he was just six months old, all the way up until today, we have almost always had a minimum of two therapy appointments every week. Our therapists have been some of Andy’s biggest cheerleaders and fiercest advocates, and we couldn’t do this journey without their support. Over the next few weeks, we would love to introduce you to these therapies, highlighting them in blog posts. The first one on the docket is Andy’s favorite - hippotherapy!

Hippotherapy, also known as horse therapy, was one that we knew the least about when we started. We had heard about it from a few of Andy’s specialists, but finally bit the bullet and began researching organizations shortly after we received his diagnoses in fall 2023. Luckily, since we live out in the suburbs near several unincorporated and rural areas, we had an option that was only 20 minutes from home. We reached out to Partners for Progress and got on their wait list, which we were on for several months. This is something that we frequently have run in to while trying to find Andy’s care - many of the unique or innovative treatments are so specialized that there are only a few providers in the area, and waitlists can be long and frustrating. It is hard to wait for care when you know how beneficial it will be for your child.

We began hippotherapy with Miss Kenzie at Partners for Progress last winter. Andy, always the animal lover, immediately took to it and had no fear or unease around the many large horses. He even tried to put his hand in the horse’s mouth on one of his first visits. Therapy usually starts with Miss Kenzie and Andy working in the “therapy room” which gives her a chance to get a read on him for the day. She uses the time to gauge his flexibility and stamina and, using tools like stretching and bouncing, gets his body warmed up for time on the horses. After that, they are off to the ring! Miss Kenzie and the volunteers help Andy get onto the horse and then the fun begins.

Hippotherapy combines aspects of physical therapy and occupational therapy while also providing sensory input that is similar to what your body feels when walking. This has proven to be increasingly beneficial as Andy walks independently less and less throughout his day. The horses walk in large circles, doing laps of the ring, while Miss Kenzie and the volunteers help him continue to stretch and move while on the horse. On the horse, Andy especially works his core muscles (stabilizing himself as he sits) and on opening up his hips. By the time he is done with his session, he is almost always walking and moving more fluidly. The hour Andy spends with the horses in therapy are frequently his happiest and most connected times the entire week!

Partners for Progress is an amazing organization beyond just for what they are doing to help Andy and our family. Possibly my favorite part of the organization is their fierce advocacy for their patients and alumni. Many older riders go on to become volunteers and employees at the organization, helping with kids who need extra hands during therapy sessions, like Andy. They participate in equestrian shows and competitions, and I love that they provide not just a sense of community, but a sense of purpose for their patients. Therapists are also experts in their field and frequently present and teach at local colleges about the benefits of this unique form of therapy. Partners for Progress is always looking for support in the form of donations and volunteers hours. If you would like more information on them, please visit their website or follow them on Facebook.